Despite what he may have thought, Adam Guettel’s show was a fascinating insight into the life of a composer.
Upon re-entering the stage for his encore, Guettel confessed that he thought the show had ‘tanked’ due to a lack of the heckling and catcalls he usually receives in the United States. It wasn’t until the rapturous applause at the end of the line-up that he realized that, although the audience’s response was different, his show was as stimulating and well-received as it is in the northern hemisphere.
Guettel, composer-lyricist of contemporary music theatre standards such as ‘The Light in the Piazza’, shares a number of songs from past and current projects in his Australian concert series, ranging from quirky pieces written in broken English to ballads describing the last prayers of a dying man. Guettel’s music is distinctive, with simple vocals sung over textured, complex accompaniment – a technique which gives many of his songs a discordant, gritty quality. Despite the fact that, stylistically, many of Guettel’s songs are similar, his narratives and characters are so varied and rich that the audience is constantly engaged.
As a singer, Guettel admitted to not being at his best due to illness. While this was noticeable, particularly at the beginning of the show, due to cracks and gaps in range, Guettel’s rich, husky tones shone through. However, it is not Guettel’s voice that catches focus in the performance, but his ability to portray characters. From the southern drawl of farmer, Floyd Collins to the Italian-English of Fabrizio Naccarelli in the aforementioned ‘The Light in the Piazza’, Guettel gives each character depth and distinction with his voice alone.
As a conversationalist, Guettel is fascinating to listen to as he discusses his successes and failures as a writer, and the challenge of living up to the legacy of his grandfather, Broadway legend Richard Rodgers. With each song he sings, Guettel explains his reasons for writing it and his connection to the character. Although his conversation often lacks the warmth and intimacy of personal anecdotes, Guettel’s dialogue is consistently well-spoken and thought-provoking.
Guettel is accompanied by singer Haley Bond and pianist-and-collaborator Kim Grigsby. The team are consistently professional and work flawlessly as a unit, with no visible bumps or confusion in the show. Bond’s voice is a highlight, with a clear, melodic tone and excellent pitch.
For those with an interest in song writing or simply a fascination with the creative process, this show is ideal. Guettel’s work is fast becoming a staple of contemporary musical theatre, and, once you see the show, it’s easy to see why.
Rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5
Adam Guettel – in Concert
Performed by Adam Guettel and Haley Bond
Accompanied by Kim Grigsby
Banquet Room, Adelaide Festival Centre
22 June
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
www.adelaidecabaret.com
7 – 22 June
Additional performances:
Chapel off Chapel, Prahran
As part of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival
29 – 30 June
